Hemchandrasuri

This document provides biographical information and highlights the literary contributions of two prominent Jain Acharyas: Hemachandrasuri and Vadidevasuri. It appears to be an excerpt from a larger work titled "Shrimad Hemchandrasuri" by Nandlal B. Devluk, published by Jain Education International.

Here's a summary of the key points:

Acharya Munichandrasuri:

• The text briefly mentions Acharya Munichandrasuri, who attained salvation peacefully in Patan in VS 1178. His disciple, Acharya Vadidevasuri, was present at the time and composed "Guruviraha Vilap" and "Muni Chandsuri Shrui" in his memory.

Acharya Hemachandrasuri (Maldhari):

• Lineage and Title: Hemachandrasuri was the grand-disciple of Shri Vijaysinhsuri of the Harshapuriya Gachha and the disciple of Shri Abhaydevsuri, the founder of the Maldhariya Gachha.
• Prominence: He was one of three influential Acharyas named Hemachandrasuri during the reign of Siddhraj and Kumarpal in Gujarat. He was the eldest among them, known for his peace and influence.
• Personal Life and Transformation: He was originally Mahamatya Pradyumna, who renounced his vast wealth, beautiful wives, comfortable lifestyle, and ministerial position after being inspired by the teachings of Maldhari Abhaydevsuri. He took initiation and eventually attained the position of Acharya under his guru.
• Qualities: He is described as humble, modest, supremely peaceful, highly learned, truth-loving, and sthitaprajna (steadfast in wisdom). These qualities are reflected in his writings.
• Influence on King Siddhraj: King Siddhraj was greatly attracted to his natural qualities and would attend his discourses with his family, listening with undivided attention. The king frequently visited him, engaged in discussions, and even invited the Acharya to the royal palace.
• Royal Patronage and Reforms: Under Hemachandrasuri's influence, King Siddhraj installed golden finials on Jain temples across Gujarat. The king also addressed the harassment faced by Jains in places like Dhandhuka and Sar, and removed obstacles during Jain chariot processions. Furthermore, he reinstated temple taxes that had been unjustly stopped by state officials, ensuring that any collected amounts were returned to the Jain temples.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence) Proclamation: Impressed by the Acharya's teachings, King Siddhraj issued a proclamation for 80 days of the year to observe ahimsa, which was inscribed on a copper plate and presented to the Acharya. Acharya Devaprabhasuri summarized this proclamation, stating that with the rise of Hemachandrasuri, the moon in the sky of Maldhari Abhaydevsuri's lineage, King Siddhraj drank the nectar of his words, and the kingdom's people became long-lived.
• Pilgrimage and Social Influence: Under Hemachandrasuri's guidance, pilgrimage groups (yatrasandh) from Patan to Girnar and Shatrunjay would depart. The Acharya himself accompanied these groups.
• Encounter with Ra' Khengar: During a pilgrimage halt at Vanthali, the wealth of the pilgrims attracted the attention of Ra' Khengar, the king of Sorath. Prompted by his advisors, who suggested looting the affluent procession for immense wealth, the king initially intended to do so. However, he hesitated due to concerns about violating royal decorum and facing dishonor. He deliberately delayed the group's departure and avoided meeting the pilgrimage leader. When a death occurred in the royal family, Acharya Hemachandrasuri, discerning the king's intentions, visited the palace under the guise of offering condolences. He imparted wise counsel and guided the king toward the path of righteousness. The king, deeply influenced and pleased by this advice, changed his mind.
• Devotion of Other Kings: Kings like Prithviraj of Shakambhari and Maharaja Bhuvanpal were also devout followers of Hemachandrasuri, similar to King Siddhraj Jaysingh of Gurjar.
• Literary Works: Hemachandrasuri was a prolific writer. In the praise of "Visheshavashyak Vritti," he mentions ten of his own works, totaling approximately one lakh verses. The text then lists and briefly describes these works:
  1. Avashyak Tippanak: Also known as "Avashyak Pradesh Vyakhya" and "Haribhadriyavashyakvriti-Tippan," with a manuscript size of 5000 verses.
  2. Sanga Kampganth Vivaran: Manuscript size of 4000 verses.
  3. Anuedagar Suttavrutti: Manuscript size of 6000 verses. This work is praised for its clear and extensive explanation of the deep meanings of Anuedagar sutras, demonstrating the author's profound understanding of the Agamas.
  4. Uvades Mala-Pushpmala Pagaran Mul: A comprehensive tale collection, containing both quoted and original stories, contributing significantly to narrative literature.
  5. Pushpmala Pattavrutti: Manuscript size of 14000 verses. This work elaborates on dana (charity), shila (virtue), tapa (austerity), and bhava (emotions) with religious and secular stories. Some stories are taken from "Upamiti Bhavaprapanchakatha."
  6. Jivasamaas Vivaran: Manuscript size of 7000 verses. Composed in Patan in VS 1164, its palm-leaf manuscript is still extant in Khambhat, suggesting it might be handwritten by the Acharya himself. It provides a detailed analysis of the 14 gunasthanas (stages of spiritual development) and a brief exposition of ajiva tattva (non-living entities).
  7. Bhavbhavana – Mul: A Prakrit composition designed to enhance detachment.
  8. Bhavbhavana Swapajnvritti: Manuscript size of 13000 verses. This work, rich in religious narratives, is particularly engaging for readers. Both the original and its commentary describe the twelve bhavanas (meditations). Both works were composed in VS 1170 in Madeta and Chhatrapalli.
  9. Nanditt Tippan: This work is believed to discuss the five types of knowledge (panca jnana).
  10. Visavashyak Vritti: With a manuscript size of 28000 verses, it is also called "Brihadvritti." This commentary was completed in Patan on the fifth day of the bright half of Kartik in VS 1175 (Gyan Panchami). Several scholars assisted in its creation. This is a philosophical treatise that builds upon Acharya Jinabhadragani Kshamashraman's "Visheshavashyak Bhashya." Its clear, question-and-answer style and refined language make it particularly influential.
• Humility and Self-Awareness: Despite his vast literary output, Hemachandrasuri maintained humility and a fear of error. In his own works, he states that he has organized the knowledge received from his gurus for self-reflection, acknowledging potential flaws and requesting readers to point them out, as all are subject to karma and are fallible.
• Disciples: Hemachandrasuri had a distinguished group of disciples, including Shri Vijaysinhsuri and three others.
  1. Shri Vijaysinhsuri: He composed a commentary on Shri Simhasuri's "Dharmopadeshamaala Gatha" (98 verses), with a manuscript size of 14471 verses. He is described as learned and handsome.
  2. Shri Chandrasuri: Formerly the chief minister of King Siddhraj in Lata region, he renounced his royal insignia for monastic robes. He contributed to the propagation of Jainism and composed works like "Munisunvaya Chariyam," "Sanghahani Sutra," and "Laghu Samasa."
  3. Shri Vibudhasuri: Also a minister from Lata region, he undertook research on certain texts.
  4. Pt. Lakshamanagani: He composed the "Supahinahachariyam" in Mandar in VS 1199, with a manuscript size of 10000 verses.

Conclusion about Hemachandrasuri: The text concludes that Maldhari Hemachandrasuri was a formidable Acharya of his time. He attained salvation in Patan after a seven-day fast. Based on his writings, he was an influential Acharya of the twelfth century Vikram era.

Acharya Vadidevasuri:

• Titles and Reputation: Vadidevasuri is described as possessing great spiritual power, being a master of Jain scriptures, and a formidable debater.
• Birthplace and Family: He was born in a village called Mandar in Rajasthan, about 25 miles southwest of Mount Abu. This village was previously known by names like Maddahada, Madhat, Madar, and Madar. He was born to a wealthy merchant named Veernag and his wife Jinvati, who considered Shri Munichandrasuri their guru.
• Birth: Jinvati dreamt of the moon entering her mouth, and on the fifth day of the waning moon in Magha, under the Hasta nakshatra in VS 1143, she gave birth to a child named Purnachandra. This child Purnachandra is the subject of this biography, Acharya Vadidevasuri.
• Famine and Migration: During a severe famine, Veernag, along with his family, left Mandar and settled in Bharuch. Shri Munichandrasuri was also in Bharuch at that time.
• Support and Early Life: The local Jains, under the guidance of Munichandrasuri, provided assistance to the Veernag family. Purnachandra also accompanied his father on business trips.
• Miraculous Incident with Gold: One day, a merchant was discarding worthless stones and pebbles, which he believed were his father's gold coins and currency that had mysteriously turned into stone. Young Purnachandra, observing this, expressed astonishment and asked why the merchant was throwing away precious gold and wealth. The wise merchant realized that the child possessed extraordinary spiritual merit, as he could perceive the true form of gold and currency even when they appeared as pebbles and stones. The merchant, understanding this, gave the child a bamboo basket and asked him to fill it with the gold coins. Purnachandra did so, and the pebbles turned into gold coins in his hands. The delighted merchant rewarded Purnachandra with a gold coin.
• Guru's Recognition and Request: Veernag recounted this incident to Acharya Munichandrasuri. Recognizing the divine signs in the child Purnachandra, and aspiring for the advancement of the Jain faith, Acharya Munichandrasuri advised Veernag to dedicate his son to the monastic order, stating that he would bring welfare to himself and others and greatly advance the Jain teachings.
• Parental Reluctance: Veernag, however, expressed his inability to give up his only son, as he and his wife were elderly and depended on him for support in their old age.

The provided text appears to focus on the life, teachings, and literary achievements of Acharya Hemachandrasuri, with a brief mention of Acharya Munichandrasuri and the introduction of the early life of Acharya Vadidevasuri.